Man United and Fulham have both reportedly enquired about signing Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu. 

The Red Devils are in need of more quality in midfield after the departure of Christian Eriksen, who departed the club last month following the expiry of his contract.

Furthermore, it has been reported that Casemiro could leave to join up with former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, meaning that United will need extra reinforcements in central midfield.

They had previously been linked to Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but after they failed to secure Champions League football, it seems that that is a deal that won’t happen, meaning that Man United will need to consider alternatives.

According to a report by Italian outlet SportMediaSet, Man United have identified Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu as a potential replacement for Eriksen and Casemiro. The 31-year-old made 47 appearances for Inter last season, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists.

The report also says that Premier League rivals Fulham are keen on the Turkish international, alongside Galatasaray, and that Inter have set a price at around £40m for the 31-year-old’s services.

Calhanoglu plays as more of a defensive midfielder despite playing as more of an attacker earlier in his career (much like Eriksen). Former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi was full of praise for the Turkish midfielder during his time at the club.

Earlier in the season, he described him as “indispensable” in a pre-match press conference. He said: “Hakan is fundamental for us. He has grown a lot in a position that wasn’t originally his. His intelligence and vision make him indispensable.”

Man United also keen on cheaper Calhanoglu alternative

The Turkish midfielder isn’t the only in his position that the Red Devils have been linked with recently. They are also reportedly keen on Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who has a £9m release clause following the Foxes relegation to the Championship.

Ndidi, 28, is also subject to interest from Everton, and looks like he could be a real bargain based on his release clause. Last season he made 30 appearances for Leicester, scoring one goal and providing five assists.

If Man United were able to sign both Calhanoglu and Ndidi, it would help bolster Ruben Amorim’s midfield behind the likes of Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo for next season.

Click here to see Man United’s dream XI next season if the current transfer rumours are true.